Panel Decides Eustis Must Forfeit Game -- School Won't Sue

November 11, 1986|By Joe Williams of The Sentinel Staff

Eustis High School received official notification from the Florida High School Activities Association Monday that it will have to forfeit its October victory over Wildwood and pay a $50 fine because it used an ineligible player. Eustis Principal Claude Pennacchia, who acknowledged he has received the letter, said he has sent an appeal to the FHSAA's executive committee asking it to ''reconsider the situation.'' Pennacchia, however, said the school has dropped any talk of filing a lawsuit against the association.

Coach Craig Cosden mentioned last week that he had talked with lawyers about filing a suit on grounds of discrimination because of differences in the grading systems between Lake and Sumter counties.

Quarterback Earl Young led Eustis to a 20-14 victory over Wildwood on Oct. 24, but it was discovered four days later that he was ineligible. He failed geometry with a 65 average and, according to FHSAA standards, had to pass all five of his classes to be eligible to play.

In Lake County the lowest passing grade is 70, but in Sumter it is 62, meaning Young would have remained eligible if he had been playing for Wildwood.

''We dropped any ideas of a lawsuit because it would not make for good relations or press. And, after all, we did make a mistake,'' Pennacchia said. ''We know we played well and deserved to win.''

Pennacchia cited the grading differences in his appeal, but said he doesn't know the date of the executive committee's next meeting or when it will make a ruling on the appeal.

''I've asked them to reconsider the situation and modify the executive secretary's ruling to such an extent that we do not have to forfeit,'' Pennacchia said. ''We are asking them to delay Earl's ineligibility for one week. I have no problem with Earl being ineligible for our last three games against Lake County schools.

''All we are asking is for them to reconsider the Wildwood game because of the differences in the grading system between the two counties.''

The loss gives Eustis a 5-4 overall and 4-2 record against Class AA, District 5 teams while Wildwood goes to 8-0, 6-0.